business models

I was just having a conversation with my godsister about publishing. She was commenting on the fact that reading is down, there is so much competition, etc. Of course she is right but I told her I believed there is still a place for books, but publishers have to connect the process of reading with the product. Can't just push books and not push the process behind it. And there is the antiquated business model that makes it hard for companies to actually connect with readers. You do see initiatives to get around that (like reading group plans, etc) but there is still this distance. But publishers have to realize that you can't just sell books traditionally anymore and that be it.

This article from NYT is about indie music labels and how they are becoming more savvy in reaching customers via the internet, etc while big comglomerates are struggling because they are still depending on an old business model involving radio play. How many of us really still listen to the radio like we used to, especially when they play the same crap all the time?

This article really resonated with me and could be thought about from a publishing perspective.